JP2024047834A - Collection device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] In a configuration for recovering developer, clogging of the recovery path is suppressed compared to a configuration in which the developer transport operation is changed according to elapsed time. [Solution] A recovery device includes a developer recovery path, a transport member disposed in the recovery path and transporting the developer by rotation, a drive unit that drives the transport member to rotate by power supply, a detection unit that detects the load applied to the drive unit by transporting the developer, and a control unit that controls the drive unit based on the detected load. [Selected Figure] Figure 4

Description

This disclosure relates to a recovery device and an image forming device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a powder recovery device having a powder recovery container that recovers and accumulates powder, a powder inlet provided in the powder recovery container, a powder transport means that transports the powder in the powder recovery container within the powder container, and a powder transport drive source that transmits a drive force to the powder transport means, the powder recovery device being characterized by having a powder transport drive control means that switches between a continuous drive mode in which the powder transport drive source is continuously driven and an intermittent drive mode in which driving and stopping are repeated.

Patent document 2 discloses a toner state prediction device that includes a change means for changing the rotational speed of a stepping motor that drives a toner recovery mechanism in an image forming apparatus, a detection means for detecting out-of-step of the stepping motor, and a prediction means for predicting toner clogging in the toner recovery mechanism based on the rotational speed changed by the change means and whether or not out-of-step has been detected by the detection means.

JP 2007-328040 A JP 2014-016455 A

The present disclosure aims to reduce clogging of developer in the recovery path in a configuration for recovering developer, compared to a configuration in which the developer transport operation is changed according to elapsed time.

The recovery device of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a developer recovery path, a transport member disposed in the recovery path and transporting the developer by rotation, a drive unit that drives the transport member to rotate by power supply, a detection unit that detects the load applied to the drive unit by the transport of the developer, and a control unit that controls the drive unit based on the detected load.

The second aspect of the present disclosure is a recovery device according to the first aspect, in which the control unit extends the rotation time of the transport member when the detected load exceeds a threshold value.

The recovery device of the third aspect of the present disclosure is the recovery device of the second aspect, in which the threshold is set in stages, and the control unit changes the time for extending the rotation time of the conveying member depending on the threshold that the detected load exceeds.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a recovery device according to the first aspect, in which the control unit increases the rotation speed of the transport member when the detected load exceeds a threshold value.

The recovery device of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the recovery device of the fourth aspect, in which the threshold is set in stages, and the control unit changes the amount of increase in the rotation speed of the conveying member depending on the threshold that the detected load exceeds.

In the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the recovery device is the recovery device of the first aspect, and when the detected load exceeds a threshold value, the control unit alternately repeats forward and reverse rotation of the transport member after the developer recovery operation is completed.

The seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a recovery device according to the second aspect, in which the threshold is set in stages, and the control unit changes the time for which the conveying member repeats forward and reverse rotation depending on the threshold that the detected load exceeds.

The recovery device of the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the recovery device of the first aspect, which includes a recovery path component that constitutes the recovery path and is removable from the recovery path, and the control unit, when the detected load exceeds a first threshold value, causes the transport member to perform at least one of the following operations: extending the rotation time, increasing the rotation speed, and repeating forward and reverse rotation after the developer recovery operation is completed, and when the detected load exceeds a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value, performs control to notify the outside of the replacement of the recovery path component.

The recovery device of the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the recovery device of the eighth aspect, in which the recovery path component constituting the downstream portion of the recovery path in the transport direction of the developer is a recovery container that recovers the developer.

The recovery device of the tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the recovery device of the first aspect, in which a using device that uses the developer is disposed on the recovery path, and the developer used by the using device is recovered on the recovery path, and when the detected load exceeds a first threshold, the control unit performs at least one of the following operations on the transport member: extending the rotation time, increasing the rotation speed, and repeating forward and reverse rotation after the recovery operation of the developer is completed, and when the detected load exceeds a second threshold that is higher than the first threshold, the control unit performs control to notify the outside that the using device needs to be replaced.

The recovery device of the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the recovery device of the first aspect, in which a plurality of the transport members are arranged in the recovery path, and each of the plurality of transport members rotates by the driving force from one of the drive units.

The image forming apparatus of the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium using a developer, and a recovery device of any one of the first to eleventh aspects that recovers the developer used in the image forming unit.

In the recovery device of the first aspect, in a configuration for recovering developer, clogging of the recovery path with developer can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the developer transport operation is changed according to the elapsed time.

The recovery device of the second aspect can prevent developer clogging in the recovery path compared to a configuration in which the rotation time of the transport member is constant even when the detected load exceeds a threshold value.

The recovery device of the third aspect can prevent developer clogging in the recovery path compared to a configuration in which the rotation time is extended by the same amount for all devices.

The recovery device of the fourth aspect can prevent developer clogging in the recovery path compared to a configuration in which the rotation speed of the transport member remains constant even when the detected load exceeds a threshold value.

The recovery device of the fifth aspect can prevent developer clogging in the recovery path compared to a configuration in which the increase in rotation speed is uniform.

The sixth aspect of the recovery device can prevent developer clogging in the recovery path compared to a configuration in which the transport member always rotates in the same direction even when the detected load exceeds a threshold value.

The recovery device of the seventh aspect can prevent developer clogging in the recovery path compared to a configuration in which the time for which the transport member repeats forward and reverse rotation is extended is uniform.

The eighth aspect of the collection device can inform the user when it is time to replace the collection path components.

The ninth aspect of the collection device allows the user to know when it is time to replace the collection container.

The recovery device of the tenth aspect can inform the user when it is time to replace the device that uses the developer.

The recovery device of the eleventh aspect is easier to control using the control unit compared to a configuration with multiple drive units.

In the image forming apparatus of the 12th aspect, contamination of the machine body due to developer clogging in the recovery path can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which a recovery device that changes the developer transport operation depending on the elapsed time is used in a configuration for recovering developer.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the recovery device according to the embodiment. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the load applied to the drive source and the drive current in the recovery device according to the present embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the recovery device according to the present embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control device used in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between a recovery path, a transport auger, and a drive source of the recovery device according to the embodiment. FIG.

An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to the drawings.

<Image forming apparatus 10>
The configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

The image forming device 10 includes an image forming section 12, a transfer device 14, a fixing device 16, a paper feed device 18, a transport path 20, a cleaning device 48, and a recovery device 50 (see FIG. 2).

For the sake of convenience, in this specification and the drawings, the left-right direction of the image forming device 10 in FIG. 1 is shown as the X-axis direction, the height direction as the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis directions as the Z-axis direction. The right direction in FIG. 1 is defined as the positive side in the X-axis direction, the upward direction as the positive side in the Y-axis direction, and the forward direction as the positive side in the Z-axis direction, and similar directions are used in the other drawings.

The image forming section 12 is an example of a component that has a function of forming an image on a recording medium P such as paper. Specifically, the image forming section 12 forms an image on the recording medium P using an electrophotographic method. As an example, the image forming section 12 has four image forming units 22. The four image forming units 22 form toner images of different colors such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Note that the "toner" and "toner image" in this embodiment are examples of the developer and developer image in this disclosure.

The image forming unit 22 has a photoconductor drum 24. The photoconductor drum 24 is an example of an image carrier, and rotates while holding a toner image to be transferred to a recording medium on its outer circumferential surface. The image forming unit 22 also has a charging device 26 that charges the photoconductor drum 24, an exposure device 28 that forms a latent image on the charged photoconductor drum 24, a developing device 30 that develops the latent image with toner, and a cleaning device 32 that cleans the photoconductor drum 24 after transfer. The cleaning device 32 cleans the photoconductor drum 24 by removing toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 24. Specifically, the cleaning device 32 has a cleaning brush 33 as an example of a cleaning member that removes toner from the surface of the photoconductor drum 24.

The transfer device 14 is an example of a device that has the function of performing a second transfer of an image that is primarily transferred from the image forming unit 22 onto the recording medium P. This transfer device 14 has an intermediate transfer belt 34. The respective toner images from the respective photoconductor drums 24 are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 34 by a primary transfer member 36. The toner images that have been primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 34 are secondarily transferred onto the recording medium P by a secondary transfer member 38.

The intermediate transfer belt 34 is supported so that it can rotate by a number of support members 40. In addition, a backup member 42 is provided opposite the secondary transfer member 38.

The fixing device 16 is an example of a device that has the function of fixing the transferred toner image to the recording medium P. Specifically, the fixing device 16 fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium P to the recording medium P using heat and pressure.

The paper feed device 18 is an example of a device that has a function of feeding the recording medium P. Specifically, the paper feed device 18 sends out the recording medium P toward the transport path 20. The paper feed device 18 has a storage section 44 that stores the recording medium P, and a sending member 46 that sends out the recording medium P stored in the storage section 44 toward the transport path 20.

The transport path 20 is an example of a path for transporting the recording medium P. Specifically, the transport path 20 transports the recording medium P sent out from the paper feed device 18 between the secondary transfer member 38 and the backup member 42, transports the recording medium P with the toner image transferred to the fixing device 16, and transports the recording medium P with the toner image fixed to the discharge section (not shown).

The cleaning device 48 is an example of a device that has a function of cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 34. Specifically, the cleaning device 48 cleans the intermediate transfer belt 34 by removing toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 34. The cleaning device 48 has a cleaning blade 49 as an example of a cleaning member.

The recovery device 50 is an example of a device that has the function of recovering used toner (hereinafter referred to as "waste toner" as appropriate). Specifically, it recovers waste toner used in the image forming unit 12. More specifically, it recovers waste toner removed from the photoconductor drum 24 by the cleaning device 32, and waste toner removed from the intermediate transfer belt 34 by the cleaning device 48. Details of the recovery device 50 will be described later.

In the image forming device 10 configured as described above, the toner images formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the photosensitive drums 24 are primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 34, the toner images primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 34 are secondarily transferred to the recording medium P, and the toner images secondarily transferred to the recording medium P are fixed to the recording medium P by the fixing device 16. In this way, an image is formed on the recording medium P in the image forming device 10.

<Recovery device 50>
Next, the configuration of the recovery device 50 will be described in detail.

The recovery device 50 is an example of a device that has the function of recovering used toner (hereinafter referred to as "waste toner") as described above, and as shown in Figures 2 and 6, has a recovery path 52, a transport auger 60, a drive source 66, a sensor 70 (see Figure 5), and a control device 100. Note that the drive source 66 in this embodiment is an example of a drive unit in this disclosure. Also, the sensor 70 in this embodiment is an example of a detection unit in this disclosure. Furthermore, the control device 100 in this embodiment is an example of a control unit in this disclosure.

(Recovery route 52)
2 and 6, the collection path 52 is an example of a path for collecting waste toner. Specifically, the collection path 52 includes a first collection path 52A, a second collection path 52B, a third collection path 52C, and a fourth collection path 52D from upstream to downstream in the waste toner transport direction.

The first recovery path 52A is a path for recovering waste toner collected by the cleaning device 32 of each image forming unit 22. This first recovery path 52A is provided in a transport container 53 arranged on the front side of the image forming section 12. The transport container 53 is detachably attached to the device body (not shown) of the image forming device 10.

The second recovery path 52B is a path for recovering waste toner collected by the cleaning device 48, which removes toner from the intermediate transfer belt 34. This second recovery path 52B is provided on a first recovery path member 54 disposed below the cleaning device 32. The first recovery path member 54 is removably attached to the device body.

The third recovery path 52C is a path that recovers the waste toner collected in the first recovery path 52A and the second recovery path 52B and sends it to a recovery container 56 located at the bottom of the device. This third recovery path 52C is provided on a second recovery path member 55 that is located behind the image forming unit 12 and connects the first recovery path member 54 and the recovery container 56. The second recovery path member 55 is removably attached to the device body.

The fourth collection path 52D is provided in the collection container 56. Waste toner collected on each path is collected into the collection container 56 through the fourth collection path 52D. This collection container 56 is provided with a sensor 72. This sensor 72 detects the amount of collected waste toner and transmits it to the control device 100. When the amount of collected waste toner exceeds a specified value, the control device 100 notifies the replacement of the collection container 56. In addition, the collection container 56 is removably attached to the device main body.

Here, the transport container 53, the first recovery path member 54, the second recovery path member 55, and the recovery container 56 in this embodiment are examples of recovery path components that make up the recovery path in this disclosure.

(Transport auger 60)
The transport auger 60 is an example of a transport member disposed in the recovery path 52 and having a function of transporting waste toner by rotation. The transport auger 60 is disposed inside the first recovery path 52A, the second recovery path 52B, the third recovery path 52C, and the fourth recovery path 52D. The transport auger 60 disposed in the first recovery path 52A is referred to as the first transport auger 60A, the transport auger 60 disposed in the second recovery path 52B is referred to as the second transport auger 60B, the transport auger 60 disposed in the third recovery path 52C is referred to as the third transport auger 60C, and the transport auger 60 disposed in the fourth recovery path 52D is referred to as the fourth transport auger 60D.

The transport auger 60 has a shaft portion 62 and a blade portion 64 formed around the shaft portion 62, which transports the waste toner while stirring it as the shaft portion 62 rotates.

(Drive source 66)
The driving source 66 has a function of using power supply to rotate the conveying auger 60. Specifically, the driving source 66 is an electric motor that rotates using power supply to rotate the conveying auger 60. In this embodiment, a stepping motor is used as the electric motor that is the driving source 66.

In addition, in this embodiment, the multiple transport augers 60 are each rotated by the driving force from a single drive source 66. Specifically, the driving force from the drive source 66 is transmitted to the first transport auger 60A, the second transport auger 60B, the third transport auger 60C, and the fourth transport auger 60D via a transmission mechanism 68 composed of multiple gears, pulleys, and the like.

(Sensor 70)
The sensor 70 has a function of detecting the load applied to the drive source 66 due to the transport of waste toner. Specifically, the sensor 70 is a current sensor that detects the magnitude of the drive current of the drive source 66. Here, when the load applied to the transport auger 60 increases, the value of the drive current increases, and when the load decreases, the value of the drive current decreases. In this way, by monitoring the current value of the electric motor with the current sensor, it is possible to detect the load applied to the electric motor. Furthermore, the drive current detected by the current sensor serving as the sensor 70 is transmitted to the control device 100.

(Control device 100)
As shown in FIG. 5 , the control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, and a storage 104.

The CPU 101 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 101 reads a program from the ROM 102 or storage 104, and executes the program using the RAM 103 as a working area. The CPU 101 controls each of the above components and performs various calculation processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 102 or storage 104.

ROM 102 stores various programs and various data. RAM 103 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage 104 is composed of a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

The control device 100 controls the driving source 66 based on the load on the driving source 66 detected by the sensor 70. Specifically, the control device 100 controls the power supplied to the driving source 66 based on the driving current detected by the sensor 70.

The control device 100 may also extend the rotation time of the transport auger 60 when the detected load exceeds a threshold value. Specifically, the control device 100 may extend the rotation time of the transport auger 60 when the drive current detected by the sensor 70 exceeds a threshold value. In other words, the time for which power is supplied to the transport auger 60 may be extended.

The threshold value of the load detected by the sensor 70 may also be set in stages. For example, if the threshold value is set in two stages, a first threshold value and a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, the control device 100 may change the time by which the rotation time of the transport auger 60 is extended depending on the threshold value exceeded by the detected load. For example, when the detected load exceeds the second threshold value, the rotation time of the transport auger 60 may be extended longer than when the detected load exceeds the first threshold value but is less than the second threshold value.

The control device 100 may also increase the rotation speed of the transport auger 60 when the detected load exceeds a threshold value. Specifically, the control device 100 may increase the rotation speed of the transport auger 60 when the drive current detected by the sensor 70 exceeds a threshold value. Note that the "rotation speed" of the transport auger 60 here refers to the number of rotations per unit time.

For example, when the threshold is set in two stages, a first threshold and a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, the control device 100 may change the amount of increase in the rotation speed of the transport auger 60 depending on the threshold that the detected load exceeds. For example, when the detected load exceeds the second threshold, the rotation speed of the transport auger 60 may be increased more than when the detected load exceeds the first threshold but is less than the second threshold.

In addition, when the detected load exceeds a threshold value, the control device 100 may alternately rotate the transport auger 60 in the forward and reverse directions after the waste toner collection operation of the collection device 50 is completed. Specifically, the control device 100 may adjust the power supplied to the drive source 66 to alternately rotate the transport auger 60 in the forward and reverse directions after the waste toner collection operation is completed.

For example, when the threshold is set in two stages, a first threshold and a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, the control device 100 may change the amount of time by which the transport auger 60 repeats forward and reverse rotation depending on the threshold exceeded by the detected load. In other words, the amount of time by which the transport auger 60 repeats forward and reverse rotation may be changed by changing the number of times the transport auger 60 repeats forward and reverse rotation. For example, when the detected load exceeds the second threshold, the number of times the transport auger 60 repeats forward and reverse rotation may be increased compared to when the detected load exceeds the first threshold but is less than the second threshold, thereby extending the time by which the transport auger 60 repeats forward and reverse rotation.

Furthermore, for example, if the threshold is set in two stages, a first threshold and a second threshold greater than the first threshold, the control device 100 may, when the detected load exceeds the first threshold, perform at least one of the following operations: extending the rotation time of the conveying auger 60, increasing the rotation speed, and repeating forward and reverse rotation after the waste toner collection operation is completed; and, when the detected load exceeds the second threshold, may perform control to notify the outside of the replacement of the collection path components that make up the collection path 52. The collection path components that make up the collection path 52 include the above-mentioned conveying container 53, first collection path member 54, second collection path member 55, and collection container 56. Examples of destinations for the notification of the replacement of the collection path components include a network, a user terminal, and a display unit of an image forming device.

Furthermore, for example, if the threshold is set in two stages, a first threshold and a second threshold greater than the first threshold, the control device 100 may, when the detected load exceeds the first threshold, perform at least one of the following operations on the conveying auger 60: extending the rotation time, increasing the rotation speed, and repeating forward and reverse rotation after the waste toner collection operation is completed; and, when the detected load exceeds the second threshold, may perform control to notify the outside that the image forming unit 22 needs to be replaced. Note that if the photoconductor drum 24 can be separated from the image forming unit 22 and replaced, only the photoconductor drum 24 may be replaced. In addition, examples of destinations for the notification of the replacement of the image forming unit 22 (photoconductor drum 24) include a network, a user terminal, and a display unit of the image forming device.

Next, an example of the recovery operation of the transport auger 60 by the control device 100 of this embodiment will be described. Note that the recovery operation described below is just one example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In this embodiment, the drive current threshold is set to four levels, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

First, the image forming device 10 forms an image, that is, executes a print job, and toner is used in the image forming unit 22. The toner (waste toner T) used in the image forming unit 22 is sent from the cleaning device 32 to the first recovery path 52A of the transport container 53 as shown in FIG. 6. The waste toner collected in the first recovery path 52A is sent to the second recovery path 52B of the first recovery path member 54 by the rotation of the first transport auger 60A. The waste toner removed from the intermediate transfer belt 34 by the cleaning device 48 is sent to this second recovery path 52B. As a result, in the second recovery path 52B, the waste toner removed from the photoconductor drum 24 by the cleaning device 32 and the waste toner removed from the intermediate transfer belt 34 by the cleaning device 48 merge. The merged waste toner is sent to the third recovery path 52C of the second recovery path member 55 by the rotation of the second transport auger 60B. The waste toner sent to the third recovery path 52C is sent to the fourth recovery path 52D of the recovery container 56 by the rotation of the third conveying auger 60C. The waste toner sent to the fourth recovery path 52D is stored in the recovery container 56.

Here, when the waste toner is transported (collected) by the rotation of the transport auger 60, a load is applied to the drive source 66 via the transport auger 60. When the load on the drive source 66 increases, the drive current detected by the sensor 70 increases proportionally. When the load on the drive source 66 exceeds a threshold, the control device 100 executes a collection operation according to the detected load. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the control device 100 first determines in step S110 whether the drive current detected by the sensor 70 exceeds the first alert threshold. If the detected drive current is equal to or less than the first alert threshold, the control device 100 executes a normal collection operation. On the other hand, if the drive current exceeds the first alert threshold, the process proceeds to step S112.

In step S112, it is determined whether the detected drive current exceeds the second alert threshold. If the detected drive current is equal to or less than the second alert threshold, the process proceeds to step S114, where the rotation time of the conveying auger 60 is extended. This promotes the conveyance of waste toner in the collection path 52. On the other hand, if the detected drive current exceeds the second alert threshold, the process proceeds to step S116.

In step S116, it is determined whether the detected drive current exceeds the third alert threshold. If the detected drive current is equal to or less than the third alert threshold, the process proceeds to step S118 to extend the rotation time of the transport auger 60, and then the transport auger 60 is rotated forward and backward repeatedly. This promotes the transport of waste toner in the recovery path 52. Furthermore, the waste toner in the recovery path 52 is evened out in the transport direction. On the other hand, if the detected drive current exceeds the third alert threshold, the process proceeds to step S120.

In step S120, it is determined whether or not the sensor 72, which outputs a signal when the amount of waste toner collected in the waste toner container 56 exceeds a specified amount, has detected the amount. If the sensor 72 has not detected the amount, the drive current detected before the specified amount of waste toner is collected in the waste toner container 56 exceeds the third alert threshold, so the process moves to step S128 and a "FAIL" is notified on the network.

In step S122, it is determined whether the detected drive current exceeds the fourth alert threshold. If the detected drive current is equal to or less than the fourth alert threshold, the process proceeds to step S124, where a notification is issued to replace the collection container 56. On the other hand, if the detected drive current exceeds the fourth alert threshold, the process proceeds to step S126.

In step S126, a notification is issued to replace the photosensitive drum 24. If the image forming unit 22 needs to be replaced in order to replace the photosensitive drum 24, the entire image forming unit 22 is replaced. After notifying the user that the photosensitive drum 24 needs to be replaced, the process proceeds to step S128, where a "FAIL" message is sent over the network. By sending a "FAIL" message over the network, it becomes easier for users to order repairs or replacement work.

If the fourth alert threshold is exceeded even after the photosensitive drum 24 has been replaced, there is a possibility that a malfunction such as waste toner clogging has occurred in the first recovery path 52A, the second recovery path 52B, the third recovery path 52C, and the fourth recovery path 52D. Therefore, even after a notification to replace the photosensitive drum 24 has been issued in step S126, if the detected drive current exceeds the fourth alert threshold, a notification may be issued to replace the recovery path components.

(Action according to this embodiment)
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, the control device 100 controls the drive source 66 based on the load on the transport auger 60 detected by the sensor 70. Specifically, the control device 100 controls the drive source 66 to control the rotation time, rotation speed, and rotation operation (forward/reverse rotation) of the transport auger 60. Therefore, in this embodiment, in a configuration for collecting waste toner, clogging of the collection path 52 can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the waste toner transport operation is changed depending on the elapsed time since the device was started to be used.

In addition, when the control device 100 extends the rotation time of the transport auger 60 when the detected load exceeds a threshold value, clogging of the waste toner in the collection path 52 can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the rotation time of the transport auger 60 remains constant even when the detected load exceeds a threshold value.
Furthermore, when the threshold value is set in stages and the control device 100 changes the amount of time by which the rotation time of the transporting auger 60 is extended depending on the threshold value exceeded by the detected load, the amount of waste toner transported by the transporting auger 60 can be optimized and clogging of the waste toner in the collection path 52 can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which the amount of time by which the rotation time of the transporting auger 60 is extended is always the same.

In addition, when the control device 100 increases the rotation speed of the transport auger 60 when the detected load exceeds a threshold value, clogging of the waste toner in the collection path 52 can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the rotation speed of the transport auger 60 remains constant even when the detected load exceeds a threshold value.
Furthermore, when the threshold value is set in stages and the control device 100 changes the amount of increase in the rotation speed of the transporting auger 60 depending on the threshold value exceeded by the detected load, the amount of waste toner transported by the transporting auger 60 can be optimized and clogging of the waste toner in the collection path 52 can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the amount of increase in the rotation speed of the transporting auger 60 is always the same.

In addition, when the control device 100 executes an operation of alternately rotating the transport auger 60 forward and reverse after the waste toner collection operation is completed when the detected load exceeds a threshold value, the waste toner in the collection path 52 can be evened out in the transport direction (collection direction) and clogging of the waste toner in the collection path 52 can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which the transport auger 60 always rotates in the same direction even if the detected load exceeds a threshold value.
Furthermore, when the threshold value is set in stages and the control device 100 changes the amount of time by which the transport auger 60 extends the time during which it repeats forward and reverse rotation depending on the threshold value exceeded by the detected load, the waste toner in the recovery path 52 can be more efficiently equalized in the transport direction and clogging of the recovery path 52 can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which the amount of time by which the transport auger 60 extends the time during which it repeats forward and reverse rotation is always the same.

In addition, when the detected load exceeds a first threshold value, the control device 100 controls the conveying auger 60 to perform at least one of the following operations: extending the rotation time, increasing the rotation speed, and repeating forward and reverse rotation after the waste toner collection operation is completed; and when the detected load exceeds a second threshold value that is higher (has a larger value) than the first threshold value, the control device 100 controls the conveying auger 60 to notify the outside world of the need to replace the collection path components, so that the user can be informed of the time to replace the collection path components.
In particular, the waste toner container 56, which is one of the components of the collection path, is a container for storing waste toner and is a replacement part that is replaced after a certain amount of waste toner is collected. The controller 100 notifies the user when it is time to replace the waste toner container 56, which is a replacement part, thereby improving user convenience compared to a configuration in which the replacement time is not notified.

In addition, when the control device 100 detects a load exceeding a first threshold, it controls the conveying auger 60 to perform at least one of the following operations: extending the rotation time, increasing the rotation speed, and repeating forward and reverse rotation after the waste toner collection operation is completed; and when the detected load exceeds a second threshold that is higher (has a larger value) than the first threshold, it controls the conveying auger 60 to notify the outside world that the image forming unit 22 (photosensitive drum 24) needs to be replaced, thereby notifying the user when it is time to replace the image forming unit 22 (photosensitive drum 24).
In particular, the image forming unit 22 (photoconductor drum 24) is a device that uses toner, and it is possible to know if there is an abnormality in the amount of waste toner or the amount of waste toner discharged.

When multiple conveying augers 60 are arranged on the recovery path 52 and each of these conveying augers 60 rotates by a driving force from a single driving source 66, it is easier to control them using the control device 100 compared to a configuration having multiple driving sources 66, i.e., a configuration in which a driving source 66 is provided for each conveying auger 60.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the image forming device 10 is equipped with the image forming unit 12 and the collection device 50, contamination of the machine body due to clogging of the collection path 52 with waste toner can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which a collection device that changes the waste toner transport operation according to the elapsed time is used in a configuration for collecting waste toner.

(Modification)
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the third conveying auger 60C is also disposed in the third recovery path 52C, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The third recovery path 52C may be configured not to have the third conveying auger 60C. Even in this case, since the third recovery path 52C extends in the vertical direction, the waste toner sent to the third recovery path 52C moves to the fourth recovery path 52D by its own weight. Therefore, when the third conveying auger 60C is not disposed, the structure of the part rotation and transmission mechanism 68 can be simplified.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate.

<Additional Notes>
(((1)))
A recovery path for developer;
a conveying member disposed in the recovery path and configured to convey the developer by rotation;
a drive unit that rotates the conveying member by supplying electric power;
a detection unit that detects a load applied to the drive unit due to the transport of the developer;
A control unit that controls the drive unit based on the detected load;
A recovery device comprising:
(((2)))
The recovery device according to ((1))), wherein the control unit extends a rotation time of the transport member when the detected load exceeds a threshold value.
(((3)))
The threshold value is set in a stepwise manner,
The recovery device according to ((2))), wherein the control unit changes the time for extending the rotation time of the transport member depending on the threshold value exceeded by the detected load.
(((4)))
The recovery device according to any one of ((1)) to ((3)), wherein the control unit increases the rotation speed of the transport member when the detected load exceeds a threshold value.
(((5)))
The threshold value is set in a stepwise manner,
The recovery device according to ((4))), wherein the control unit changes an amount of increase in the rotation speed of the transport member depending on the threshold value exceeded by the detected load.
(((6)))
The recovery device described in any one of ((1))) to ((5))), wherein the control unit alternately repeats forward and reverse rotation of the transport member after the developer recovery operation is completed when the detected load exceeds a threshold value.
(((7)))
The threshold value is set in a stepwise manner,
The recovery device described in ((2))), wherein the control unit changes the time for which the transport member repeats normal and reverse rotation depending on the threshold value exceeded by the detected load.
(((8)))
A recovery path component member that configures the recovery path and is detachable from the recovery path,
The control unit is
When the detected load exceeds a first threshold value, at least one of the following operations is performed on the conveying member: extending a rotation time, increasing a rotation speed, and repeating forward and reverse rotation after the developer collecting operation is completed;
A recovery device described in any one of ((1)) to ((7))), which performs control to notify an outside party of the need to replace the recovery path component when the detected load exceeds a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value.
(((9)))
The recovery device according to ((8)), wherein the recovery path component that constitutes a portion of the recovery path downstream in a transport direction of the developer is a recovery container that recovers the developer.
(((10)))
a developer using device that uses the developer is disposed on the recovery path,
The developer used in the developer using device is collected in the collection path,
The control unit is
When the detected load exceeds a first threshold value, at least one of the following operations is performed on the conveying member: extending a rotation time, increasing a rotation speed, and repeating forward and reverse rotation after the developer collecting operation is completed;
A recovery device described in any one of ((1))) to ((7))), which performs control to notify an outside party of the need to replace the device being used when the detected load exceeds a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value.
(((11)))
A plurality of the transport members are disposed in the recovery path,
The recovery device according to any one of ((1)) to ((10)), wherein each of the plurality of transport members rotates by a driving force from one of the drive units.
(((12)))
an image forming section that forms an image on a recording medium using a developer;
a recovery device according to any one of ((1)) to ((11)) above) for recovering the developer used in the image forming unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

In the recovery device (((1))), in a configuration for recovering developer, clogging of the recovery path with developer can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the developer transport operation is changed according to elapsed time.
In the recovery device (((2))), clogging of the recovery path with developer can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the rotation time of the transport member is constant even when the detected load exceeds a threshold value.
In the recovery device (((3))), clogging of the recovery path with developer can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which the rotation time is extended by the same amount across the board.
In the recovery device (((4))), clogging of the recovery path with developer can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the rotation speed of the transport member is constant even when the detected load exceeds a threshold value.
In the recovery device (((5))), clogging of the recovery path with developer can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which the increase in rotation speed is uniform and the same.
In the recovery device (((6))), clogging of the recovery path with developer can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the transport member always rotates in the same direction even when the detected load exceeds a threshold value.
In the recovery device (((7))), clogging of the recovery path with developer can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which the time for which the transport member repeatedly rotates forward and backward is extended is uniform.
In the recovery device (((8))), the user can be notified when it is time to replace the recovery path components.
In the collection device (((9))), the user can know when it is time to replace the collection container.
The recovery device (((10))) can inform the user when it is time to replace the device that uses the developer.
The recovery device ((11)) is easier to control by the control unit than a configuration having multiple drive units.
In the image forming apparatus ((12)), contamination of the body of the device due to developer clogging in the recovery path can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which a recovery device that changes the developer transport operation in accordance with the elapsed time is used in a configuration for recovering developer.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Image forming section 22 Image forming unit 24 Photoconductor drum 32 Cleaning device 33 Cleaning brush 48 Cleaning device 49 Cleaning blade 50 Collection device 52 Collection path 52A First collection path 52B Second collection path 52C Third collection path 52D Fourth collection path 53 Transport container (collection path constituent member)
54 First recovery path member (recovery path component member)
55 Second recovery path member (recovery path component member)
56 Collection container (collection path component)
60 Conveying auger (conveying member)
60A First conveying auger (conveying member)
60B Second conveying auger (conveying member)
60C Third conveying auger (conveying member)
60D Fourth conveying auger (conveying member)
66 Drive source 70 Sensor (detection unit)
72 Sensor 100 Control device P Recording medium

Claims (12)

A recovery path for developer;
a conveying member disposed in the recovery path and configured to convey the developer by rotation;
a drive unit that rotates the conveying member by supplying electric power;
a detection unit that detects a load applied to the drive unit due to the transport of the developer;
A control unit that controls the drive unit based on the detected load;
A recovery device comprising: The recovery device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit extends the rotation time of the transport member when the detected load exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is set in a stepwise manner,
The recovery device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit changes a time for extending a rotation time of the transport member depending on a threshold value exceeded by the detected load. The recovery device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit increases the rotation speed of the transport member when the detected load exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is set in a stepwise manner,
The recovery device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit changes an increase amount of the rotational speed of the transport member depending on the threshold value exceeded by the detected load. The recovery device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit alternately repeats forward and reverse rotation of the transport member after the developer recovery operation is completed when the detected load exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is set in a stepwise manner,
The recovery device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit changes a time for extending a time during which the transport member repeats normal and reverse rotations depending on the threshold value exceeded by the detected load. A recovery path component member that configures the recovery path and is detachable from the recovery path,
The control unit is
When the detected load exceeds a first threshold value, at least one of the following operations is performed on the conveying member: extending a rotation time, increasing a rotation speed, and repeating forward and reverse rotation after the developer collecting operation is completed;
The recovery device according to claim 1 , further comprising a control for notifying an outside party of replacement of the recovery path component when the detected load exceeds a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value. The recovery device according to claim 8, wherein the recovery path component constituting the downstream portion of the recovery path in the transport direction of the developer is a recovery container that recovers the developer. a developer using device that uses the developer is disposed on the recovery path,
The developer used in the developer using device is collected in the collection path,
The control unit is
When the detected load exceeds a first threshold value, at least one of the following operations is performed on the conveying member: extending a rotation time, increasing a rotation speed, and repeating forward and reverse rotation after the developer collecting operation is completed;
The recovery device according to claim 1 , further comprising a control for notifying an outside party of replacement of the device in use when the detected load exceeds a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value. A plurality of the transport members are disposed in the recovery path,
The recovery device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of transport members is rotated by a driving force from one of the drive units. an image forming section that forms an image on a recording medium using a developer;
a recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which recovers the developer used in the image forming unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: